Tweets from Pebble, a smartwatch maker, suggested that employees paid close attention to an event hosted Monday by Apple to show off its rival device. Meanwhile, Motorola and Samsung – two other smartwatch makers – kept radio silence on Twitter, as if the Apple Watch didn’t exist.
Reactions on social media to Apple Watch, a sort of mini-computer worn on the wrist, varied widely as the tech giant held a splashy event in San Francisco to unveil more details about the device. Apple executives, never shy of self-congratulations, bragged about how their watch will track fitness activity, let users make calls, get sports scores, pay at store cash registers and hail a ride through Uber.
Of course, Apple will face stiff competition in the nascent smartwatch market after its version of the device goes on sale April 24. Pebble, Samsung, Sony, Garmin and LG are just some of the companies with a head start. They all must overcome consumer apathy for the devices and an abundance of clunky designs. Here are some reactions to Apple’s event from competitors, fashionistas and designers:
Pebble, the smartwatch maker, showed little hesitation about mentioning Apple’s event. On Twitter, the company posted about how it was excited to watch the livestream while pushing its own products:
Excited to watch #AppleLIVE this morning! What are you expecting to see? Https://t.co/FJqQ48Nrdwpic.twitter.com/RkJQYb5R0U
— Pebble (@Pebble) March 9, 2015
After the event ended, Pebble encouraged its workers to get focused:
Whoo! Had a nice little morning break. Okay, Pebblers now it's back to business.Http://t.co/AE0BAYGYUF
— Pebble (@Pebble) March 9, 2015
Nina Garcia, the creative director at Marie Claire and a judge on the television show Project Runway, tweeted about how Apple Watch is hogging the spotlight during what is one of the fashion industry’s top shows:
It's fashion week in Paris but it seems that the #AppleLive event is getting all the attention here!
— Nina Garcia (@ninagarcia) March 9, 2015
Sarah Parmenter, a British designer, gave a mixed review to Apple Watch:
I’m very excited for this Apple Event. While the watch may not be to everyones taste, to me it represents is a fascinating new era of design
— Sarah Parmenter (@sazzy) March 9, 2015
Vogue magazine shared a photo with Christy Turlington, the super model who appeared on stage with Apple CEO Tim Cook and who had just worn an Apple Watch during a half marathon in Tanzania:
Look who we ran into at the #AppleLive event. Nice #AppleWatch, @CTurlington. Learn more: http://t.co/uvt8f596ybpic.twitter.com/RWGgjuXMHk
— Vogue Magazine (@voguemagazine) March 9, 2015
Comedy Central poked fun at Apple’s Watch and a new potential danger faced by anyone who owns one:
The Apple Watch finally allows users to ruin two devices when they reach into the toilet to retrieve their iPhone. #AppleLive
— comedycentral (@ComedyCentral) March 9, 2015
The Apple Watch finally allows users to ruin two devices when they reach into the toilet to retrieve their iPhone. #AppleLive
— Comedy Central (@ComedyCentral) March 9, 2015